Cosmetic Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a facial rejuvenation procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is often said that “eyes are the doorway to the soul,” so artistic, natural-looking eye rejuvenation can boost confidence and how you are perceived by others. This procedure addresses excess skin, bulging fat, puffiness, and signs of aging around the eyes to create a more refreshed, alert, and youthful look. It can allow the eyes to open a bit, improving vision, but also making you more aware of bright light.
Depending on individual anatomy and goals, blepharoplasty may be performed with or without browpexy (to maintain brow height) and/or canthopexy (to hold the lateral corner and lower lid tighter to the globe of the eye and help with dry eye symptoms) to enhance support, positioning, and long-term aesthetic results.
Patients seeking eyelid surgery often want to reduce droopy, tired-looking upper eyelids, eliminate under-eye bags, and improve the overall appearance of their eyes.
Your eyelids are not identical, but the goal of CO2 laser-assisted eyelid surgery is to improve symmetry, contour, and proportions. Recognize that eyelid anatomy can differ significantly between men and women and among patients of different heredity. Dr. Z will discuss your goals and the opportunities that different procedures can offer.
For some patients, the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid has stretched or partially detached. Reattaching it to correct “ptosis” (a partially closed upper eyelid) opens the eye, improving overall and lateral peripheral vision. This procedure would usually be performed by a surgeon who works with your insurance.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and tissue around the eyes.
Dr. Z did his initial CO2 laser-assisted blepharoplasty training with the renowned Henry Balis, MD, then Chief of Oculo-Plastic Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute in California. He has successfully performed these procedures for over two decades, and they are among his favorite and most gratifying.
Types of blepharoplasty procedures include:
- Upper blepharoplasty: Removes excess skin and improves eyelid hooding and heaviness
- Lower blepharoplasty: Reduces under-eye bags and smooths the lower eyelid
- Combination upper and lower eyelid surgery
Additional procedures may be performed when indicated:
- Browpexy: A subtle internal brow lift to support brow position and enhance upper eyelid results
- Canthopexy: Tightening of the lower eyelid to improve support and prevent laxity
These adjunct procedures help optimize both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
How We Perform an Eyelid Lift
During blepharoplasty surgery, CO2 laser incisions are carefully placed within natural creases, in the lower conjunctiva, or along the lash line to minimize visibility. CO2 lasers incise and sculpt tissue in a nearly bloodless field, minimizing bleeding during and after surgery. Nerve endings are sealed simultaneously, reducing postoperative discomfort.
The procedure may include:
- Removal of excess skin from the upper eyelids
- Removal or repositioning of fat in the upper or lower eyelids
- Smoothing and tightening of the lower eyelid
- Optional Browpexy to support the brow position and prevent further sagging after upper lid blepharoplasty. You can still raise your brows naturally.
- Optional Canthopexy to improve lower eyelid stability, reduce scleral show, and decrease Dry Eye symptoms.
- CO2 laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate, smooth, and tighten the eyelid(s) and peri-ocular skin
The goal is to create a natural, refreshed appearance without altering the patient’s unique features.
Procedure Details
- Duration: 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of procedures performed
- Anesthesia: General Anesthesia and Twilight Sedation
How Blepharoplasty Helps
Blepharoplasty is ideal for patients in Las Vegas seeking eyelid rejuvenation and improved eye appearance. It can help:
- Remove excess upper eyelid skin (hooded eyes)
- Reduce under-eye bags and puffiness (lower blepharoplasty +/- CO@ laser skin resurfacing or skin excision)
- Improve the field of vision in cases of significant upper eyelid drooping
- Smooth and tighten the lower eyelid bags and laxity
- Harmonize overall facial appearance and alertness
Pre-Surgical Guidelines
To prepare for blepharoplasty surgery, patients should:
- Be cleared for eyelid surgery by their optometrist or ophthalmologist, who will screen for glaucoma, corneal and retinal issues, and dry eye
- Avoid nicotine for at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
- Stop blood-thinning medications as directed
- Arrange for transportation and initial recovery support
- Follow all pre-operative instructions provided during consultation and pre-op visits
After Care For Blepharoplasty
Recovery from upper and/or lower eyelid surgery is typically well-tolerated with proper care.
After surgery:
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes are expected
- Blurred vision and mild double vision can be present that night
- It is normal to have some bloody tears and incisional discharge
- Temporary dryness and sensitivity may occur
- Mild discomfort is common but manageable
Patients should:
- Apply cold compresses and/or a Ziplock with ice chips or frozen peas to reduce swelling
- Apply wetting solutions and antibiotic ointments as prescribed
- Keep the head elevated during early recovery
- Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks
- Follow all incision care instructions carefully
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Recovery Timeline
- Initial recovery: 1–2 weeks; sutures out at 5-7 days, bruising usually resolved at 2 weeks
- Return to light activity: 1–2 weeks
- Resume full activity: 3–4 weeks; most of the swelling is gone
- Final results continue to improve as swelling resolves. Incisions continue to remodel for up to a year.
Blepharoplasty Results
CO2 laser-assisted Blepharoplasty provides long-lasting improvement in eye appearance and eyelid contour, creating a more youthful and refreshed look. When combined with browpexy or canthopexy, results may be further enhanced by improving structural support and maintaining long-term eyelid position. Scars are minimal and typically well concealed within natural eyelid creases.
Call ARLV For Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeries
Blepharoplasty is a highly individualized facial rejuvenation procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Z will evaluate your medical history, eyelid anatomy, brow position, and degree of skin laxity to determine whether CO2 laser-assisted upper and/or lower blepharoplasty, with or without browpexy, canthopexy, or CO2 laser skin resurfacing, is the appropriate approach for achieving natural, safe, balanced results.
